Depression Therapy for Children
in Eden Prairie, MN
When a child or teen seems withdrawn, irritable, or unusually sad, it can be hard to know what’s going on — or how to help.
Depression in kids doesn’t always look like constant tears. It often shows up as mood changes, loss of interest, low energy, or difficulty at school or home.
At Creekside Counseling, we offer depression therapy for children and teens, with thoughtful involvement of parents when appropriate.
Our depression therapists provide in-person sessions in Eden Prairie, MN and virtual therapy across Minnesota, creating a safe, supportive space where kids can express themselves and begin to feel more like themselves again.
If you’re wondering whether your child’s struggles may be more than “just a phase,” therapy can help.
Depression Therapy at Creekside Counseling
Depression therapy at Creekside Counseling may be a good fit if your child is experiencing any of the following:
Feels persistently sad, empty, or emotionally numb
Has lost interest in things they used to enjoy
Feels exhausted, unmotivated, or overwhelmed by daily tasks
Experiences guilt, self-criticism, or hopeless thoughts
Wants therapy that feels supportive, relational, and non-judgmental
Depression can look different for everyone and you don’t need to have all the answers before starting therapy.
Common Reasons Parents Seek Therapy for Depression for their Child or Teen
Clients often seek therapy for depression when they’re experiencing:
Ongoing sadness, heaviness, or low mood
Emotional withdrawal or disconnection from others
Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Depression connected to trauma, loss, parenting, or major life changes
You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from treatment for depression.
What Depression Therapy Looks Like for Children and Teens
Depression therapy isn’t about forcing positivity or “fixing” your child. It’s about creating space to understand what they’re carrying and begin moving forward with support.
Our sessions are:
Collaborative, compassionate, and grounded
Focused on emotional safety and trust
Designed to offer both insight and practical coping tools
Whether this is your first experience with therapy or you’re returning after time away, we’ll meet you where you are.
Our Approach to Depression Therapy
Our depression therapists use evidence-informed, trauma-aware approaches tailored to each child or teen’s needs. Treatment is always paced gently and adapted to your child’s age, personality, and emotional readiness.
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CBT helps children understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. In therapy, kids learn to notice negative or self-critical thinking patterns that often show up with depression and practice more balanced, supportive ways of thinking. CBT also helps children build coping skills for managing sadness, low motivation, and emotional overwhelm in everyday situations.
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EMDR can be helpful for kids whose depression is connected to stressful or overwhelming experiences. This approach supports the brain in processing emotional memories that may be keeping sadness, fear, or hopelessness stuck. EMDR for kids is adapted to be age-appropriate and may include movement, drawing, or other child-friendly techniques to help children feel safer and more regulated.
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ART is a gentle, structured therapy that helps children work through distressing memories or emotional experiences without needing to talk through every detail. This can be especially helpful for kids who have trouble putting feelings into words. ART supports emotional relief, improved mood, and a stronger sense of control over thoughts and feelings.
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This approach focuses on building a strong, trusting relationship between your child and their therapist while helping kids identify strengths and small, achievable steps forward. Rather than focusing only on problems, solution-focused therapy helps children notice what is already working and build confidence as they move toward emotional stability and hope.
How Can Therapy Help Treat Childhood Depression?
Over time, therapy supports sustainable healing, not just symptom management.
Depression therapy can help your child:
❋ Understand what they’re feelingTherapy helps children make sense of big emotions like sadness, numbness, or irritability in ways that feel safe and age-appropriate.
❋ Build resilience and emotional confidenceOver time, children learn to respond to challenges with greater self-compassion, flexibility, and emotional strength.
❋ Reconnect with themselves and othersTherapy supports children in rebuilding confidence, motivation, and connection with family, friends, and activities they once enjoyed.
❋ Learn tools to manage overwhelmKids build practical coping skills to help regulate emotions, handle stress, and feel more in control during hard moments.
Our Providers
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Elisabeth Emmerich
OWNER, MA, LPCC, RPT™
Elisabeth helps women navigate anxiety, perfectionism, and the lingering effects of childhood trauma, while also supporting kids and teens through anxiety, trauma and life transitions. As a mom of three, she brings firsthand understanding of the pressures of motherhood to a warm, compassionate, and practical approach that helps clients untangle old patterns and create meaningful change.
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Marina Mitcheltree
MA, LPCC
Marina supports children, teens, and families navigating anxiety, behavioral challenges, and life transitions. She specializes in early childhood mental health, child-parent relationships, and play therapy, and is passionate about empowering women and supporting BIPOC communities. As a mom, she brings personal insight into the challenges of parenting while creating a compassionate, practical space for families and individuals to heal and grow. -
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Laura Muench
MSW, LICSW
Laura specializes in early childhood, autism support, and parent-child relationships, helping families navigate behavior challenges, anxiety, and life transitions. With a strong focus on connection and attachment, she takes a warm, practical approach to supporting both children and parents. Laura especially enjoys working with young children and guiding families toward more confidence, stronger communication, and meaningful, lasting change.
Your Questions, Answered
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Children with depression may show persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, or negative self-talk.
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In children, depression often shows up as irritability, behavior changes, or withdrawal rather than just sadness.
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Therapy helps children understand their emotions, build coping skills, improve mood, and develop healthier thought patterns.
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Some symptoms may improve over time, but ongoing depression often benefits from therapy to prevent it from worsening.
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Providing structure, emotional support, and open communication—along with professional help—can make a significant difference.
